AV integration in a networked world

Celebrated German venue takes on Soundcraft/Harman Pro specification

The Konzerthaus system – which was designed by Sebastian M_ller-Eckhard from Dortmund-based B&B Veranstaltungstechnik – also includes JBL VRX loudspeakers and Crown I-Tech amplifiers.

Opening in 2002 with an installed sound system designed for voice transmission only, the 1,550-capacity Konzerthaus has been hosting an increasing number of shows entailing dedicated sound reinforcement – a requirement that, for the last two years, B&B has answered with the rental of a Harman Pro rig including a Soundcraft MH3. Having initially opted for a Soundcraft MH3 32-channel console for the new infrastructure, the venue’s head of stage management/engineering, Ralf Leyk, ultimately decided upon the siting of a Soundcraft Vi4 at the hub of a complete Harman Pro system.

The Soundcraft Vi4 digital system includes Vistonics II touch screen user interface, local rack and stage rack. It offers access to 48 inputs on 24 faders, with a total of 27 output busses available for use as masters, groups, auxes or matrices. The desk features the latest Studer SCore DSP engine and Vi Series processor card, with eight Lexicon FX and 27 30-band graphic EQs from BSS Audio. According to Soundcraft, this means that further outboard equipment is not required – a particular advantage given the cramped mixing location of the Konzerthaus between the chair rows.

“The Soundcraft Vi4 was introduced because of demand for a smaller footprint console in space-conscious applications such as theatres, clubs and houses of worship,” Soundcraft’s Dave Neal told this writer earlier in the year. “In these applications, the functionality is exactly what people need, but they are looking to conserve floorspace to allow for maximum seating capability.”

The JBL specification includes 14 JBL VRX932LA line array elements, along with a pair of VRX918S subs that can be extended with further VRX918s. Integrated into the HiQnet network are four Crown i-Tech 4000 amplifiers with DSP processors and accessed by the matrix outputs of the Vi4.